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McDonald’s Rejects Obesity Proposal

Fast food giant McDonald’s has rejected proposals from health experts to assess the effect of its fast food meals on the surging childhood obesity epidemic in the US. The company said customers were free to choose the healthiest option for themselves.

More than 500 healthcare experts had petitioned McDonald’s to stop targeting unhealthy fast food at children. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that about 17% of adolescents and children are obese in the US. Childhood obesity increases the chances of getting diseases like hypertension, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

McDonald’s induces kids to buy its Happy Meals by giving them freebies like toys. Instead of juice or milk, parents can choose soda. This sales strategy has paid off for the fast food giant, resulting in hefty earnings. But, experts say obese kids can become obese adults, putting additional burden on the healthcare system.